posted
My name is Bygast Affney. I'm one of the eleven Princes who rule the Ten Realms. My Realm is Uppercourt. I've been living at the castle in Kingsroof for years now, leaving my wife and younger brother to rule in my stead. I spend my time with the High Prince Tobian Vandygriff, advising him, sitting in his councils, and generally making myself useful. I look forward to answering your questions, so I'll open up the floor now. Yes, you there in the back?
Posts: 50 | Registered: Apr 2009
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posted
Eleven princes for ten realms? Does one just bounce around until a spot becomes open, or is the High Prince you mentioned the ruler over all of them? Perhaps you could explain your political system a bit, and why you think it's worth maintaining.
Posts: 620 | Registered: Mar 2009
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posted
The Ten Realms were for a long time eleven separate kingdoms. Three generations ago, Daid Vandygriff stormed the continent with a foreign army and forced the other ten kings to bend knee to him. He allowed them to keep their lands and their royal status, just so long as he was the only remaining King. The other royal families were only allowed the title of Prince. As a gesture of goodwill to his new liege men, he lessened the lands of his own kingdom, parceling it out to some of the smaller kingdoms-- now become the Realms.
The family Vandygriff remains the High Family, the rulers of the continent as a whole. Theirs is the final word on anything involving the Realms. Each individual Realm maintains its own sovereignty. I have complete control over Uppercourt, so long as my actions don't upset the King. The High Prince Tobian is the one who rules over us Lesser Princes, and he will one day be King over the whole Ten Realms.
posted
Yes, I am in the back and I do have coffee. Are you going to point out that I have a hat on or that my coat poorly matches my breeches with the next question I ask?
So Vandygriff invaded this continent with a foreign army, and after that everything has just been picnics and festivals? Surely even his generous act of giving these ten Princes the lands that were already theirs couldn't have made everyone love their invaders. Have there been any attempts to wrest power away from the royal family? Attempts to secede from the realm?
With nothing else there must be political infighting, with princes carrying on feuds and grudges that have persisted since before Vandygriff's invasion. Or did everyone forget history once a High King came and rewrote it?
What about you, Your Grace? How do you feel about your family's sovereign realm being invaded and you being thrall to a conqueror's heir when you should be a king in your own right?
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As of yet, there haven't been any real attempts to secede. There have been squabbles between Realms, but the High Prince steps in before they can get too bad. His Majesty is a remarkable warrior and tactician, despite only being 21.
However, there has been an incident recently that I believe may be the beginnings of an overthrow attempt. This is not supposed to be made public yet... Tobian's wife Lilean recently passed, and the common belief is that it was murder. I believe it was, and I believe it was one of the other Princes. With the exception of Prince Kegyn Hull, we were all gathered in Kingsroof for Tobian's nameday tournament, and it was during that tourney that High Lady Lil suddenly took a turn for the worse.
As for my feelings on the matter of "being given my own land", Uppercourt was one of the Realms to gain the most land during the takeover. I bear the Vandygriffs no ill will. I am Tobian's closest friend. Why would I want to see him deposed?
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Does your wife mind staying with your younger brother? Perhaps she enjoys a younger man.
You are a self appointed best friend. I hate those who give themselve a title. Titles must be earned. Does this Tobian think you his best friend, or only a bother?
Why would you leave your wife and family to stay with this Tobian?
Do woman not intrest you? Perhaps you yourself killed Lilean to become closer to this Tobian? Was his wife his true best friend, and you needed to destroy the upsurper? Will it be your shoulder he cries on when he hears of her death?
Are you in love with the High prince? He is young, strong, and wise, after all. Do you lust for him?
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My wife is in charge of ruling Uppercourt more than my brother is, and Shaile is devoted to me. We have our fights, mostly because our marriage was political and I really don't much care for her, but she and my brother Tenney would never do anything together.
Tobian has called me his best friend on more than one occasion. Our friendship is not in question. That doesn't mean that he's my best friend, however. Make of that what you will.
Why do you think I would leave to stay with Tobian? As I mentioned before, my wife and I are not on the best terms, and what better use of my time than making myself indispensable to the High Prince? It ets me away from Shaile.
I am not a murderer. Lil's death came as a surprise to me. I am interested in women, but was certainly not in her. She's too forceful for my liking. You asked if he cries on my shoulder. Tobian isn't that type. He cries on no shoulder. He's more likely to shut himself up in his room and brood on it.
Your last question was, I believe, "Are you in love with the High prince? He is young, strong, and wise, after all. Do you lust for him?" The answer is absolutely not! And Tobian is not wise. He is a good soldier and commander, that is true, but that is the extent of his ability.
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